Bleeding Ulcers

A bleeding ulcer goes unnoticed till it assumes a severe and dangerous form. That's why, it's essential that one be aware of its subtly developing symptoms. Statistics reveal that one in every ten US citizens suffer from peptic ulcers. When identified early, it can be treated more easily and quickly. In this Buzzle article, after describing the nature of ulcers, you will find the typical symptoms of digestive tract ulcers listed, that can serve as effective warning signals. Treatment methods for ulcers in upper digestive tract are also presented.

About Digestive Tract Ulcers
A peptic ulcer in the upper gastrointestinal tract is a discontinuity, hole or sore in the surface lining of the stomach, duodenum or esophagus, which may cause internal bleeding. The fact that the loss of blood is internal, makes it difficult to identify and subsequently the ailment remains undiagnosed for a long time, in many cases. According to the affected region of the internal gastrointestinal tract, the ulcer can either be esophageal, gastric or duodenal. When the acidic digestive juices in the stomach, come in contact with these ulcers, they aggravate further. When ulcers rupture blood vessels, bleeding occurs, leading to progressive weakening of the body.

Symptoms of Bleeding Ulcers
Though only an endoscopy can diagnose the condition exactly, some of the most easily noticeable symptoms of bleeding ulcers are the following:

• Mild to Severe Abdominal Pain
• Burning in Abdomen
• Heartburn
• Frequent Hunger Pangs After a Meal
• Lightheadedness When Standing Up Quickly
• Inexplicable Fatigue
• Weakness
• Anemia
• Shortness of Breath
• Blood in Vomit
• Blood in Stool
• Swallowing Difficulty
• Weight Loss

Causes of Bleeding Peptic Ulcers
Earlier, it was believed that an excess secretion of digestive acids and intake of beverages like tea and coffee, along with stress leads to ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. However, actual research revealed something quite different. Ulcers in the stomach, duodenum and esophagus are caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). Other than that, frequent excess dosage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aspirin may cause ulcers to occur. Excess consumption of alcohol, tobacco chewing and smoking also increases risk of an ulcer developing in the stomach. A rare disorder called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which causes tumor formation in pancreas also leads to the formation of peptic ulcers.

Treatment Methods
Bleeding ulcers are completely treatable. Doctors will first order an endoscopy or barium GI X-ray to diagnose and ascertain the nature of the ulcer. A test to determine H.pylori infection will be conducted. Depending on the test results, medication will be prescribed.

Depending on the severity of the ulcer, a combined dose of antibiotics like amoxicillin, tetracycline or clarithromycin will be prescribed for a fortnight, to kill off the bacterial infection. This may be accompanied with Pepto-Bismol, to fortify the antibacterial attack. In case, the ulcers are the result of a NSAIDs overdose, proton pump inhibitors like esomeprazole, lansoprazole and omeprazole will be used along with the antibiotic medications. Surgery may be needed, if the ulcer has caused a tear in the gastrointestinal tissue. In most cases, administration of antibiotics, along with protein pump inhibitors cure patients completely.

That concludes our brief overview of the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of bleeding peptic ulcers. Avoid all the causative agents of peptic ulcers like smoking, excessive usage of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, Aspirin and Naproxen to prevent a relapse of the condition. Respect your body and appreciate the marvel of evolutionary ingenuity that it is. If you perceive your body that way, you will think twice before abusing it. Health is the greatest gift and a healthy lifestyle is the only way of appreciating this gift!